Equestrian: Wood leads Northland's challenge

Kate Wood, on Drakkar. Photo / Supplied

Northland eventing riders produced a mixed bag at the Fibre Fresh National Equestrian Centre Taupo Horse Trials.

With howling winds, and rainstorms, whipping through the grounds as riders competed for titles from training level through to CIC***, it made for spooky horses and challenging conditions throughout the weekend of October 12-13.

Whangerei's Kate Wood and Drakkar, were not phased however and led throughout all phases in the Fibre Fresh CNC 1* adding just 6.4 time penalties cross country to their dressage score and finishing on 30.6 penalty points.

Meanwhile, a blistering cross country round from Helen Connet and Lea Rosa saw them rise from 19th after dressage to finish fourth overall.

A Northland horse, if not rider, won the Fibre Fresh CIC*, when Dannie Lodder on Waitangi Icon led throughout to finish on a score of 42.7.

Meanwhile, a challenging cross country course in the pre-novice division took its toll on a few of young Northland riders, as well as some far more experienced ones, with a couple of eliminations and problems on course, after a promising start to the competition.

Chloe Phillips-Harris had the opposite problem, and was playing catch up after a disappointing start in the dressage phase, but clear show jumping and cross country saw her and mount Cor Jet finish a credible eighth place in the highly competitive Fibre Fresh CIC**.

Riders and horses compete on home soil at the Northland Eventing Spring Horse Trial at Barge Park, Whangerei on the first weekend of next month.